News Archives: Play-in-a-Day Challenge

Released: Monday, February 3rd, 2014

PLAY-IN-A-DAY CHALLENGE:

Write, Direct, Rehearse and Perform a 10-minute play in just 24 hours!

Ten writers, ten directors, and dozens of actors will rise to this challenge to create a 10-minute stage play in just 24 hours! Playwrights will work overnight to come up with a script from a provided first and last line, then directors and casts will spring into action in the morning to produce, direct and rehearse each script in preparation for performance at 7:00 pm. The process will be fun for participants; the results are certain to be entertaining for the audience!

GPRC drama instructor Michelle MacArthur is an initiator of this event, which is presented with the cooperation of the staff of DJ Cardinal Performing Arts Centre at the College.

“Join us as a playwright, director, actor or audience member!” encourages MacArthur. “Witness the hilarity that will ensue as we create and perform plays within a strict 24-hour time period – starting with the provided first and last line which will be announced at the kick-off party.”

The 24-hour play is a theatre tradition in many communities, but this is a first for Grande Prairie and GPRC. MacArthur and GPRC theatre manager Meghan Noftall and technician John Rowe were collaborating to find a joint event when the idea emerged, and it was decided that this is a good fit. “All kinds of people can participate, and it is a minimal time commitment with maximal rewards!,” says MacArthur.

Noftall agrees, and is enthusiastic about the opportunity to open use of the theatre to more people. “This is a great way to expand the ways in which our community can utilize this fabulous facility – and a great way for people with an interest in theatre to meet and get to know one another,” says Noftall.

Here’s how it works: Theatre troupes (consisting of 1 writer, 1 director and a group of actors) are drawn at random during the kick-off party on Friday evening, February 28. All playwrights are given the same first and last line, and must write a 10-minute play for their assigned actors by the next morning. Then, while the writers take a nap, the director and actors will work together to prepare the short play to hit the stage on Saturday evening. The College will provide rehearsal space, technical support, and the use of costumes and props.

Individual participants must preregister in person at the College Theatre offices (D218) during regular business hours for a fee of $10 per person, indicating area of expertise (writing, directing, acting.) There are 10 spots for playwrights, and each will be tasked with writing a 10-minute play to be performed at the end of the 24-hour creation period. Playwrights are welcome to direct or act as well, just not in their own plays. There are 10 spots for directors, and an unlimited number of spots for actors.

Registration deadline is Friday, February 14th and roles are assigned on a first come, first served basis. For more information, please contact Michelle MacArthur, Drama Instructor at GPRC, at mmacarthur@gprc.ab.ca or 780-539-2882.

Performances will begin at 7:00 pm on Saturday March 1. Everyone is welcome to come see the brand-new plays – and to help influence the panel of judges as they select best writer, best director, best actor and best overall play. Tickets ($10) will be available at the door.